Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Cassy's Chair is Meanne Mabesa Mijares new children's book!
Sunday, March 14, 2021
RUNNING FOR GRACE FILM REVIEW
Heartwarming and Heartbreaking
RUNNING FOR GRACE FILM REVIEW
by Meanne M. Mijares
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
(2 Timothy 4:7 NIV)
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)
CAST
Ryan Potter as Jo
Matt Dillon as “Doc”
Jim Caviezel as Doctor Reyes
Olivia Ritchie as Grace Danielson
Nick Boraine as Mr. Danielson
Rumi Oyama as Miss Hanabusa (film’s narrator)
Juliet Mills as Grace’s Grandmother
Stelio Savante as The Mayor
Cole Takiue as Young Jo
Directed by David L. Cunningham
Written by David L. Cunningham and Christian Parkes
Cinematography Akis Konstantakopoulos
Production company Kona Snow Pictures
Distributed by Blue Fox Entertainment
Genre: Drama and Romance
THE STORY
Set in 1920s Hawaii, the film tells the story of Jo (Ryan Potter), an orphaned biracial boy who’s despised by the people in the village where he lives. But his fortunes shift when he’s adopted by a kindhearted and generous village doctor (Matt Dillon) who puts Jo to work as a medicine runner all over the mountains and plantation fields where his patients live and work. When a series of events brings Jo together with Grace (Olivia Ritchie), the daughter of a rich plantation owner, an illicit attraction grows. Unfortunately, Grace’s father is intent on marrying her off to Dr. Reyes (Jim Caviezel), all the better to fill cash into his troubling financial resources. Or so he thinks.
POSITIVE MESSAGE
Love knows no limits. Kindness and care augment the giver as much as the receiver. Storylines about racial discrimination clearly show how damaging it can be, are concerned to its victims. I like how the themes centering on courage and perseverance are presented.
ROLE MODELS
Jo is oppressed and mistreated because of his mixed-race heritage. Dr. Lawrence is a kindly man who loves and accepts Jo just as he is; Jo is a valiant character who behaves nobly. There are other characters portraying monotonous villains, and Grace doesn’t have much to do in her portrayal.
VIOLENCE
Mr. Danielson and Doc die in non- gruesome but sometimes violent ways; their dead bodies can be seen (they look mostly uninjured). Koji, Mr. Danielson’s accountant takes poison after he’s financially in dire straits and begs to be allowed to die but he doesn’t; another character calls his actions a hara-kiri, an “honorable suicide.” I am wondering what does that mean in the context of suicide in Japan? Should it be seen as honorable? A vendor slaps little Jo who steals a dumpling; another Japanese man knocked out by Doc so he can treat his sick wife suffering from Spanish flu. A young Jo loses his mother, is seen mourning beside her body.
LANGUAGE
Swearing is rare and included the words “hell,” “damn,” and “bastard.” Many language usages regarding race and class: “half-breed,” “haole,” “Orientals,” “Jap,” “country doctor,” “backwoods country hick,” “Nip-lovers.”
DRINKING, DRUGS AND SMOKING ISSUES
Doc puffs out cigarettes habitually. Dr. Reyes smokes cigars and drives a car filled with liquor bottles, most probably drinking while he drives; out of the car, he slips drinks from a flask. Grace’s grandmother is referred to as “guzzling gin”; she also drinks from a flask. Jo is given alcohol by Dr. Reyes and then disputes his authority figure.
SEX
Sexual content in the film is limited to significant looks and a single kiss.
CONCLUSION
Slow-paced and stereotypical, this story of forbidden but true love in plantation-era Hawaii isn’t without its appealing qualities — mainly, a stellar cast and positively stunning shots and imagery of the island setting. The key problem here is the limitation of the love story keeping Running for Grace together. Yes, Grace and Jo are both young and eye-catching. It’s clearly obvious to see why they’re attracted to each other. But although they swap heaps of glances, they’ve barely spoken barely a dozen of words to each other by the time they hug for the clichéd happy-ending kiss that’s apparently so poignant that the entire cast gushes into tears. This love story is one of my favorites because it is done with good taste and no need for nudity to express their love for one another. The movie presents powerful messages about the evils of racism, as well as the unmatched power of love and underscores the value of courage, perseverance, kindness, and care.
The rest of the plot is no less delicate: Every plot development and character bare is wired ages in advance. It’s clear from our first sight of Dr. Reyes that he’s a con artist who’s up to no good; he might as well be fidgeting his mustache when he casts his eye on Grace. It’s hard not to applaud a story about a loathed outsider who succeeds against all odds through heroic deeds, and this movie does have its heart in the proper place.
Overall, I give the film a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
http://www.filcatholic.org/heartwarming-and-heart-breaking-running-for-grace-film-review/
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Launching of Video Series HEARTBREAKTHROUGH HUGOT TALKS Special Valentine Presentation Q & A with Meanne
Claretian Publications recently launched Heartbreakthrough Hugot Talks featuring the book Heartbreakthrough 8 Steps To rising Above Heartbreak-The Lord's Way on February 14, 2021, on its official YouTube Channel.
Meanne answers your questions about heartbreak, love, life, and relationships.
The book is available at the Claretian Flagship Bookstore, Lazada, and Shoppee. Prices vary.
Monday, November 30, 2020
Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares launched her first-ever live Chikiting Talk with Vibal Group at the MIBF 2020 Online
Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares was live via Zoom as she gives her Chikting talk on Helping Children Survive and Thrive During COVID-19 and Beyond which was also followed by another topic, Self-Care Strategies for Children During the Corona Virus Pandemic that was aired on MIBF's Official Facebook page on November 24, 2020, which gained 3, 400 views and counting!
Many thanks to Sir Paul Baloja, Sir Jco Lastierre, and Ms. Sandy of Vibal Marketing as well as to Primetrade Asia for the opportunity. To God be the glory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Claretian Publications' Between The Pages feat. Heartbreakthrough is on YouTube!
Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares's Heartbreakthrough book is among the featured books for Claretian Publications' online book promotion project titled, "Between The Pages" video book trailers. It covers the following questions: "What question is the book trying to answer?" and "How did the author come up with this question?"
Here are some behind-the-scene photos that were taken by Pam Mijares, the sister of the author at the Claretian Studios.
Shooting in progress! Good take! Thank You, Lord Jesus!
Meanne with the Claretian Ads and Promo team headed by Ms. Geraldine Vireynato with Jason and Roy of the IT Department
Meanne getting ready
Here is the official video book trailer which can be seen on Claretian Publications' YouTube Channel which was launched last November 16, 2020. for Claretian and Lazada's Marvelous Mondays promo.
Here is also the official trailer with Meanne's fellow Claretian authors Bro. Duane Cartujano and the late Msgr. Fernando M. Gutierrez.
An in-depth look at the author and story behind the "Heartbreakthrough"
Author: Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares
Published by: Claretian Publications
An in-depth look at the author and story behind the "Heartbreakthrough"
LAZADA:
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
5 Powerful Bible Verses To Overcome Fear of COVID-19
LOCKED DOWN BUT NOT OUT! Five Bible Verses to Get You Through COVID-19
By Meanne M. Mijares
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started last March 2020, we were all deeply trembled to the core with worry, fear, panic, and yes, even depression. Most of us tend to plunge into despair, that is, Satan’s deadly weapon he can use against us, as economic and financial uncertainties and stories about doom and gloom get the better of us. In these trying times, we ought to remind ourselves of the providence, love, and power of God. The more we should place our confidence and trust in Him whatever crisis we may face in our lives. Today, there are lockdowns, social and physical distancing, supply shortages, uncertainties that make up the “new normal”, making us feeling paralyzed, stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed with the complexity this pandemic brings us, but what does the Word of God (The Bible) tell us today?
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.” – Psalm 46:1-2
Fear is one of the intense feelings most of us Catholics and Christians feel right now. We ask ourselves, “Why is this happening? Where is the hand of God in all of this? Why did He let this get really bad? Right now, we don’t have the answers because can hardly think straight due to anxiety and confusion. This verse though, reminds us that God is with us. We can always seek solace in His arms and He will give us the strength to keep moving forward. We need not fear what would happen to our world because He is on our side. He’s got us!
“For we walk by faith, and not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5
The coronavirus is unseen but deadly. Yet, we fear its intense power and ability to wreak havoc in our lives. Our Lord Jesus Christ, though, is also invisible to us. As Christians, we know that Our Lord Jesus lives in us. If so, then why are we treating this invisible enemy as if it is bigger and mightier than God?! Fear seems to be the guilty party. We begin to cast our doubts on the power of God to help us survive this pandemic, and we believe what we see and hear on the news instead most especially the health bulletins reporting the new confirmed cases, news about the testing of possible vaccines, and fretting about the “flattening of the curve”. We think this has no end already. This passage tells us to keep our faith stronger during this period. Rest assured that Our Lord Jesus Christ is working quietly to help us overcome this pandemic, and He will never leave us.
“The Lord will give strength to His people, the Lord will bless His people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11
We may be implementing social distancing as we interact with one another today but we should get closer to God. Most of us miss going to mass, visit the Adoration Chapel, and attend church activities and services. It is so hard to stay faithful when you feel isolated from our Christian and Catholic brethren. God certainly knows this which is why He is giving us the strength and confidence we need. He rewards us with His peace. You are certainly not alone in this struggle. I believe it is still best to reach out to your family and friends, have an online watch party, a live stream of a homily on the Internet, or do your own Bible devotional (Claretian’s Bible Diary is the best companion!). This will truly help you feel connected to others and to God and He will give you strength.
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34
When stuck in quarantine, many of us are worried about what the future will hold for us. You wonder as to when will the children be back to regular school or when the country’s industry sectors will reopen. This is a normal fretfulness to have because it is such an extraordinary time although God tests us to stay present at the moment when we can, for as long as we can. While you are anxious about the future, your child may be grappling with school work that needs your immediate attention. This passage tells us not to get too wrapped up in what may possibly happen that you forget to be aware of what is currently going on. Remember, tomorrow’s trouble cannot be fixed today as in right now, so let us humbly ask God for His guidance in living each day as it comes.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13:1
Many people, Catholics or not, are appraising how the world’s governing bodies are taking action on the COVID-19 crisis. They screech and bare themselves on social media saying that the government is doing a lot or too little to help work this problem out. In spite of this, God wants us to yield and listen to our government officials. There are guidelines our leaders have put out that are helping to save the lives of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Yes, they seem inconvenient and uncomfortable but we have to protect those who are the most vulnerable or susceptible to this disease. Let us be good examples to those who are around us. This is our way of showing respect for the Lord’s authority.
The COVID-19 predicament has completely paralyzed our world into something we hardly recognize. It is a very crucial and terrifying time to live in but rest assured that God will never leave nor forsake us. He is still filling each one of us with His generosity, love, grace, mercy, strength, and guidance during this very difficult time. Let us trust Him and His plans for our world, for all of us, and take things one day at a time. By reflecting on these Bible verses, dear readers, you will surely find more inner peace.
http://www.filcatholic.org/locked-down-but-not-out-five-bible-verses-to-get-you-through-covid-19/
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Different, but Still Good MULAN 2020 Film Review
“Different but, Still Good” MULAN 2020: A FILM REVIEW
by: Ms. Meanne Mabesa Mijares
Cast
Yifei Liu as Mulan
Crystal Rao as young Mulan.
Donnie Yen as Commander Tung
Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan, a Rouran Hun
Yoson An as Chen Honghui,
Gong Li as Xian Lang
Jet Li as The Emperor of China
Tzi Ma as Hua Zhou
Rosalind Chao as Hua Li
Xana Tang as Hua Xiu, Mulan’s younger sister
Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang
Jun Yu as Cricket
Jimmy Wong as Ling
Chen Tang as Yao
Doua Moua as Chien-Po
Nelson Lee as The Chancellor
Cheng Pei-pei as The Matchmaker
Director Niki Caro
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Back in the late 90’s I watched Mulan’s Disney animated feature and really had a blast. Fast-forward to 2020, I was so excited about the news that Mulan returns to the silver screen in a live-action format. It was supposed to be shown in theaters last March but because of the ongoing pandemic, it did no longer push through. Until one day, I was so glad to watch it online. And here is what I have to say about it:
MULAN is a melodramatic retelling of the original ancient Chinese ballad, not a musical cover version. The film opens in a small village, where a young Hua Mulan causes trouble by performing acrobatics to chase after a chicken, upsetting her mother, who doesn’t want to see her “acting like a boy.” Mulan’s father, Zhou, tells her that he has spoiled her and that she must hide her chi/warrior spirit. Years later, after a matchmaking appointment goes amiss, all hope seems lost for the now-adolescent Mulan. But then Imperial Army scouts traverse into the village and demand one male conscript from each family to fight the Rouran Huns, who are led by Böri Khan and the warrior witch Xianniang. Without any sons, Zhou — a proud but wounded war hero — step up, but Mulan resolves to save him by taking his armor and family sword and pretending to be a young man. Under Commander Tung, the masquerading Mulan (who binds her breasts and puts up her hair) and the rest of her troop train to save the emperor’s kingdom from the ruthless invaders.
Positive Messages
The film’s messages are about the importance of being true to yourself, sharing, not hiding your gifts, working hard, helping others, being honest, being loyal, and devoted to both your family and your country. Other important themes consist of humility, perseverance, teamwork, challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
Positive Role Models & Representations
Mulan is depicted as brave, compassionate, clever, and resourceful. While she is pretending to be a man, she sometimes tries hard to fit in, but also stays true to her beliefs about what’s important in a partner, what truly being a warrior means. She defies her father, ditches her family, betrays her friends, and fellow soldiers, but it’s to safeguard her family and help her country. She establishes many important character strengths: courage, perseverance, humility, integrity, teamwork. I notice that most men in the film have outmoded ideas about what women should be like or do but discover they’re wrong. Chen Honghui is observant, a good listener who’s quick to look after Mulan; instead of feeling betrayed or at risk, he helps and supports her. Mulan’s father Fa Zhou is patient, loving, honorable; her mother is caring and concerned; Hua Xiu, her sister is accepting, kind. Even villains like Xian Lang and Bori Khan have understandable motives, humanizing backstories.
Violence
There were several big martial arts battles with close combat and so many deaths. Characters are killed, injured in various ways; very little blood shown. Most people are killed with swords. One falls into a fire. Others are put to death by hand and/or buried by an avalanche. Bows/arrows, knives, flaming projectiles were used as weapons. Peril and danger; people are taken prisoners, even threatened. Xian Liang, a shape-shifting witch uses her magic to disarm, kill, possess her enemies. Commander Tong declares that the penalty for various offenses (including desertion and stealing) is death, while the penalty for dishonesty is expulsion and disgrace. An older conscript with mobility issues falls in a humiliating manner in front of the Imperial guard. (Fa Zhou)
Sex
I have observed a few long-drawn-out looks: like there is one scene of brief hand-holding. In a platonic scene, Mulan (who has been masquerading as a young man) disrobes down to take a bath in a river – with bare shoulders, part of back visible. Honghui takes off his shirt; it’s quite clear that he’s undressing to join what he thinks is another man in the water. A funny tête-à-tête ensues between the soldiers as they discuss attributes that they find attractive in a woman (mostly the physical ones).
Language
Serious and hurtful insults such as “you’ve brought dishonor to your family,” “your family has failed to raise a good daughter,” “you bring disgrace to your family, your village, your emperor,” and milder ones such as “you stink,” “you smell bad,” “we’re not friends.” Although these lines are needed in the film, I am quite alarmed that children might believe that this is proper but it is actually not.
CONCLUSION
The powerful enactments and intense battle progressions make this remake of Mulan a more mature adaptation, highlighting the story’s themes of female confidence-building and family devotion. I salute the filmmakers for making sure there was no white-washing in the cast; the assemblage is made up of internationally renowned ethnically Chinese actors from mainland China, Hong Kong, the United States, and New Zealand. Mulan’s director Niki Caro shows the way that women have always had to fight to be taken seriously or to be considered as capable as men. Liu is well cast as the young female warrior and protagonist who wants to make her father proud.
I would like to make a caveat in this film. Mulan fans should know that this isn’t a musical (though instrumental bits of the animated movie’s soundtrack do show up in the score), and there’s no Mushu, the wise-cracking talking dragon sidekick. But there are many small callbacks to the previous film, from the iconic jade comb Mulan wears to the matchmaker’s to the lucky Cri-Kee, here changed into a human character named Cricket who’s still quite lucky. Even Mulan’s original voice, Ming-Na Wen, gets a cameo role. There are many more, but it’s more fun to uncover them while you watch. This version really isn’t for really little children. It has lots of theoretically disturbing action violence, as well as a few scenes in which it looks like beloved characters are injured or near death. There’s no humor in this version, although there are a couple of funny scenes, like Mulan’s catastrophic introduction to her potential match’s mother and, later, a silly conversation between a disguised Mulan and her fellow soldiers about “what a man wants.” A new witch character, Xianniang (expertly played by Gong Li) is terrifying but also fascinating and unabashedly feminist. And this movie makes Mulan’s love interest a colleague, rather than her commanding officer, which is a much healthier dynamic approach. Ultimately, those looking for their favorite movie in the live-action form will need to change their expectations. But viewers open to a more powerful retelling will welcome this adaptation for what it is: a strong tale of a young woman smashing gender stereotypes to lead men in battle and bring honor to her family, village, and dynasty.
Overall, I give the film 4.5 out of 5 stars.
http://www.filcatholic.org/different-but-still-good-mulan-2020-a-film-review/
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